Belt marking device



Dec. 5, 1967 J. c. WILLIAMS I BELT MARKING DEVICE Filed Feb. 21, 1966 INVENTOR Joe 6. Mum/4s United States Patent 3,355,808 BELT MARKING DEVICE Joe C. Williams, Vanderburgh County, Ind. (RR. 1, Seliutte Road, Evansville, Ind. 47712) Filed Feb. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 528,719 Claims. (Cl. 33-32) ABSTRACT on THE DISCLOSURE A marking device for a sanding belt characterized by structure for the resilient initial positioning of the marking elements and the subsequent securing of such marking elements at the desired position, a templet locater, and a sanding belt leveler.

The present invention relates to a belt marking device, and more particularly to a new and novel structure for simply and positively marking a sanding belt for subsequent folding or breaking.

As is known, the sanding of molding, for example, is rather specialized, in that such molding oftentimes has a unique configuration in section, represented by various angles depending upon ultimate use and aesthetics. In this connection it is important to break or fold the sandpaper at the various bend angles in the molding to accomplish an effective sanding operation, i.e. between the pressurized sanding block, the sanding belt, and, of course, the molding under process. Previously, much of such preforming was done by rough estimate, oftentimes missing the desired breaking point, and resulting in not only poor sanding results, but loss of effective use of the sanding belt.

By virture of the instant invention, the applicant herein has provided a new and novel belt marking device which is simple to use at the desired machine location, and which is representative of highly effective end results. Broadly, the invention provides for the resilient positioning of marking elements, as pencils, for example, in accordance with locations on a template which represent the bend angles or lines on the molding under process. After the aforesaid pencils are in the desired temporarily mounted position, securing means, as screws, for example, fix the pencils in such position, and, thereafter, marking is achieved by passing the sanding belt beneath such pencils.

The afore-described marking element-mounting arrangement is effectively positioned on a support structure which is readily located adjacent the passes of a sanding belt on a sanding machine for molding. The invention represents simplicity in structure, being readily manufactured, and lending itself to effectiveness and economies to the ultimate user. Not only are the desired bend or folding lines readily marked on the sanding belt, but the overall device is versatile insofar as positioning is concerned with respect to a sanding belt.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel belt marking device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel marking device for sanding belts, being readily usable to mark the angular deviations of the configuration of molding under process for effective preforming of the sanding belt.

A further and more general object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel device for marking the desired folds or breaks on a sanding belt for highly effective processing of molding having simple or complex configurations in section, which represents structure readily positionable adjacent the sanding belt, which lends itself to simplicity in use and highly effective end results, and which is representative of economies in manufacturing and to the ultimate user.

Other objects and a better understanding of the present 3,355,808- Patented Dec. 5, 1967 invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation, partly fragmentary and partly in section, showing a belt marking device in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in horizontal section, taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing details of the marking element-mounting arrangement provided by the invention at hand;

FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation, partly fragmentary and partly in section, and looking toward the support column, i.e. from right to left in FIG. 1, showing still further details of the instant belt marking device; and

FIG. 4 is a framentary view of a template utilized in carrying out the teachings of the applicants new and novel belt marking device.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to the figures, the applicants new and novel belt marking device comprises, by way of example, a marker base assembly 12 typically disposed on the framework (not shown) of a molding sander, as by clamps, threaded means or the like (also not shown). Extending upwardly from the marker base assembly 12, and typically in a fixed relationship therewith through the use of a set screw (not shown), is a section of support column 14 having a pivot point 14a at the top thereof, where another section of support column 16 of any desired length extends upwardly from such pivot point 14a.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a body member 17 extends laterally from the support column 16, where a key 19 and locking screw 20 are provided for positioning such body member 17 at any desired vertical location with respect to a sanding belt 25. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body member 17 is defined by end portions 17a and 17b, interconnected by side portions 17c and 17d, forming an opening 17e between such portions 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d. A belt leveler 22, more apparent in FIG. 3, is secured to portion 17c of the body member 17, as by screw means, for example, serving to limit any undesired upward movement of the sanding belt 25 during use, to be described more fully herebelow.

Depending downwardly from the end portion 17b of 1 the body member 17 is a pin 24, the use of which will beextend through portions and 17d of the body member 17 (see FIG. 2). In this latter connection, the knockout pins 26 each have one end thereof bearing against the belt leveler 22, while the other ends thereof are tapped into a tight-fitting engagement with the portion 17d of the body member 17. Pressure plates 27 and 29 are disposed within the opening 17e defined by the body member 17, being retained in position by the aforesaid knockout pins 26.

Tension or spring means 30 encircle each of the knockout pins 26 and extend between the portion 17d of the body member 17 and the pressure plate 27, urging the latter towards the other pressure plate 29. A series of securing elements, such as Allen screws 32, for example, extend through the portion 17d of the body member 17 and are adapted to engage the pressure plate 27 during the desired fold or break lines found in the molding to be sanded. In this latter connection, and as is known, molding may assume Various shapes in section, being representative from simple molding to molding very complex in configuration. In any event, in order to achieve the most effective sanding action, it is preferable to fold or bend the sanding belt at the point of angular deviation, so that the sanding block (not shown) positively bears the sanding belt into effective sanding relationship with such molding.

In any event, the aforesaid template 35 typically comprises a sheet of metal having a series of preselected openings 35a therein, where a major opening 35b is adapted to receive the pin 24 of FIG. 1. In other words, the openings 35a in the template 35 correspond to the breaking or fold lines of the molding under process, and it is through such openings that marking elements or pencils 44) of FIG. 1 should ultimately be disposed to define the desired break marks on the sanding belt 25. Accordingly, the template 35 is positioned on the pin 24, whereupon the pressure plates 27 and 29 are moved apart to receive the pencils or like marking devices 40.

It should be understood that the locking elements 32 of FIG. 2 are shown in a securing position, and during initial readying of the device, are threaded outwardly, so that the only bearing between pressure plate 27 and pressure plate 29 is caused by the spring 30. In any event, the marking elements or pencils 40 are positioned between such pressure plates 27 and 29, and the ends thereof caused to extend through the desired openings 35a in the template 35.

Subsequently, when the desired positioning is attained through the aforesaid temporary relationship, the securing elements 32 are selectively made to engage the pressure plate 27, one by one, as desired, and finally, the marking devices 40 are firmly retained between the pressure plates 27 and 29 by reason of such securing elements or screws 32.

The template 35 is then removed and the body member 17 moved downwardly so that the pencil elements 40 are incontact with the sanding belt (FIG. 3). As should be evident from FIG. 3, the belt leveler 22 extends downwardly and proximate to the sanding belt 25, limiting any unwanted upward movement of the latter during the marking operation. During marking, the sanding belt 25 is caused to move, and the top or smooth surface thereof receives penciled indicia or markings representative of the breaks or folds in the molding under process. Obviously, as the marking devices 40 become worn, the body member 17 is moved downwardly toward the sanding belt 25, or the marking devices 40 are replaced.

In any event, the effective marking of a sanding belt 25 is readily accomplished through the instant invention, where, thereafter, such sanding belt 25 is folded to achieve the desired relationship between the sanding block, the sanding belt and the molding under process. As should be obvious, the operation of the instant belt marking device is simple, yet positive, in accomplishing the desired end results.

From the preceding, it should be apparent that the applicant herein has provideda new and novel structure for accomplishing an important phase of molding finishing, i.e. in achieving the proper relationship between the angular bends on the molding under process and the sanding belt and sanding block. Obviously, the belt marking device described hereabove is suspectible to various changes within the spirit of the invention. For example, other means may be employed for maintaining the pressure plates 27 and 29 in engaging relationship, an arm may be provided for rotating the support columns 14 and 16 with regard to the marker base assembly 12, and, hence, to move the body member laterally in any desired angular relationship. Additionally, proportions may be changed, as well as element configuration. Thus, the above description should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the following claims:

I claim:

1. A belt marking device comprising an upstanding supporting framework, a body member adjustably secured on said framework for vertical movement with respect to a work surface on which a sanding belt is positioned, pressure plates mounted on said body member, resilient means urging one of said pressure plates towards another of said pressure plates, a marking device positioned between said pressure plates, and extending below the body member in a vertical direction and securing means mounted on said body member selectively and fixedly maintaining said marking device between said one of said pressure plates and said another of said pressure plates.

2. The belt marking device of claim 1 where said body member is defined by an opening therethrough in which said pressure plates are mounted.

3. The belt marking device of claim 1 where a template-receiving pin depends from said body member and extends to a position below the lowermost end of the marking device.

4. The belt marking device of claim 1 where said securing means are threaded members selectively engageable with said one of said pressure plates.

5. The belt marking device of claim 1 where a sanding belt leveler means depends from said body member to a position just short of the lowermost ends of the marking device in limiting relationship with respect to vertical movement of said sanding belt.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,612,235 12/1926 Thomas 33--175 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,088,877 9/ 1954 France.

14,748 1904 Great Britain. 27,396 10/ 1903 Switzerland.

HARRY N. HAROIAN, Primary Examiner. 

1. A BELT MARKING DEVICE COMPRISING AN UPSTANDING SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK, A BODY MEMBER ADJUSTABLY SECURED ON SAID FRAMEWORK FOR VERTICAL MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT TO A WORK SURFACE ON WHICH A SANDING BELT IS POSITIONED, PRESSURE PLATES MOUNTED ON SAID BODY MEMBER, RESILIENT MEANS URGING ONE OF SAID PRESSURE PLATES TOWARDS ANOTHER OF SAID PRESSURE PLATES, A MARKING DEVICE POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID PRESSURE PLATES, AND EXTENDING BELOW THE BODY MEMBER IN A VERTICAL DIRECTION AND SECURING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BODY MEMBER SELECTIVELY AND FIXEDLY MAINTAINING SAID MARKING DEVICE BETWEEN SAID ONE OF 